A FIFE charity has welcomed an “important investment” in their facility and defended their work after concerns were raised over their premises.
The Levenmouth Area Committee agreed a contribution of £143,860 to Autism Rocks Fife to support the refurbishment of the former Buckhaven and Wemyss Parish Church to help create an enhanced community hub for autistic people and their families.
While councillors unanimously agreed to allocate the funding, Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages councillor Tom Adams expressed reservations.
He described the application as “emotional blackmail” and said while he had supported the organisation “all the way through”, he described their premises a “wreck.”
Leven, Kennoway and Largo councillor Eugene Clarke shared the opinion that it was the wrong building for Autism Rocks.
He added: “Having said that, they are where they are. If we decided not to go ahead with this, I presume the organisation would find itself in great difficulty and they are a well-established group.”
The charity’s chairperson, Colin Davie, welcome the unanimous decision to support the funding.
“Autism Rocks Fife is not some speculative new project hoping to bring benefits to the area in years to come,” he said.
“We are a well-established local charity that has been supporting autistic children, young people, adults and their families for 12 years.
“We receive no ongoing funding for the services we provide, and the charity is run by volunteers who give their time freely because they recognise the very real need within our community.”
Mr Davie said they were “disappointed” by the suggestion that Autism Rocks made a poor decision in taking on the former church building.
He continued: “We have always been open about the condition of the building and the work required, but we also recognised its enormous potential.
“The building has significant local heritage, dating back to the early 1900s, and has served the community for generations.
“Our ambition is to breathe new life into this important part of Buckhaven’s history by expanding our services into the church itself while creating a modern, accessible community hub for autistic people and their families.
“This will significantly increase the space available to the families we support and allow us to develop additional activities and services, reaching even more people.”
Mr Davie said they did explore the possibility of alternative premises and reached out about one facility which was already taken.
He added: “Due to the significant time constraints placed on the charity, relocating to another suitable facility was not possible within the timeframe available. Our decision to proceed with the church was therefore carefully considered.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support already received from Fife Council, local businesses, organisations and the wider community.
“Through essential repairs, donations, fundraising, practical assistance and encouragement, the majority of people have shown that they believe in what Autism Rocks is trying to achieve.
“We respect the right of councillors to scrutinise public spending, but we believe the full context is important.
“Surely investment in a community can be measured by reducing isolation, supporting exhausted parents and carers, giving autistic children somewhere they feel safe and accepted, and allowing families to participate in activities that many of us take for granted?
“Our autistic children should not have to demonstrate their economic value to be considered worthy of investment.”
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